employees play on thire phones and musical equipment instead of helping customers. i was 8n with my guy and we stood around for 10 minutes noone would acknowledge us at all they were more intrested in playing on thier phones. dont visit this location they are rude and unprofessional. read more

This is a good place to buy musical equipment, but a terrible place to repair a guitar. I brought in one of my guitars that needed it's neck relief adjusted. The technician advised me that it needed a new nut since the old nut was shaved down too low. He puts in a bone nut, which doesn't even feel like a real bone nut. It is now worse off than what it was before. I was having fret buzz problems before on the first few frets only and now I have terrible sustain across the fretboard and I now have my high e string making a clinking sound whenever I bend it! I have a video of it that I plan to post soon. They said they couldn't repair it the way I want it to, but now it sounds worse than when I brought it in! They didn't charge me for the new nut, but they charge me $30 to re-string it! I am out $30 and now I have a guitar that is in worse condition. EDIT: I just took my guitar to another guitar technician and he verified that they butchered the nut by cutting it too short at the G string slot and providing too much space for the High E String and G String slots. The "bone nut" they installed actually snapped in half when my guitar technician tried to remove it. read more

I've been going to Guitar Center for over 30 years. A great experience, especially at the Dublin and San Jose locations with knowledgable staff and nice selection of gear. read more

Today, was my second visit with a guitar trade in while wanting to buy a new guitar. Again, I was disappointed in the service and attention I received. In the past I ended up at the Brea store where I purchased a new Taylor. Looks like I may end there once again. Palm Desert guitar center really needs some help. A basic sales course should be required. read more

I bought a Taylor acoustic electric there last week and was helped by Daniel. He was really helpful, patient, and accommodating. I love my new guitar and Daniel was fantastic! read more

Spoke to Thomas at this location that sold me the pickup that doesn't fit the sound hole of the guitar I needed it for (I'm a beginner and was not told/could not know that different guitars have different size sound holes.) All he could do was repeat the corporate script that it was outside the 45 day return window. Cannot think, speak, or act for himself. So Guitar Center is ok with selling beginners stuff they can't use. Terrible business model. So it cost me about $89 to learn you never shop at Guitar Center without bringing an experienced musician and possibly a luthier with you. read more

only way they could be worse is if you fouond they had pooped in your car while you were being riped off in the store. So, on Friday I saw the most beautiful used amp, Id ever seen, a Fender Deluxe. I left as the store closed. I called their 800 number ten minutes before the store opened, and bought it. Conoor, my online sales person, congratulated me, said my credit card had gone thru and the beautiful amp, was smine. I didn't RUSh to the store, he siad it was sold and would be taken off the floor. 2 hour later I get to Palm Desert Guitar Center, amp gone. almost an hour of evasive "we don't know, here call this number in Tennesee" and "We dont know, call this number in Thousand Oaks". WHERE IS IT. "Sir its sold, theres nothing anyone can do!!" Of course there is, you can contact whomever has it and let them know you made a mistake, need the ampo back, and will give them a nice bonus for their understanding your error. "We can't do that!! We can't call anyone! We aren't allowed to call out!" I call Connor at HQ. "Oh that sucks, I feel your pain boy; we are gonna make it right, no limits to what we'll do to make it up to you". ME: There's a similar one for $100 more in Texas?" Connor: No, I'm not allowed to lower the price on whatever it is you got screwed out of..used amp? Nope. You're hosed my good man. Yeah, I really feel for you. You're screwed my friend. But I feel your pain. Wanna buy a looper?" Yes, I'll do that today. Just not from Guitar Center. read more

Bought a cymbal, hated the cymbal, returned it for a full refund, super easy, Jackson is awesome. Look it's a guitar center, it's not glamorous, know what you want before going, don't expect minimum wage employees to give too much of a *%#^ about your needs, maybe if guitar center paid them more they would be better, but it's good enough for me, like I said Jackson is a super nice guy who knows about music read more

Absolutely the worst store in the CA chain. They give the worst trade-in values. I've taken gear there first only to be low balled and go to another store and get more. Those who work there are indifferent to the needs of the customer and the selection in gear is laughable at best. read more

I stopped by here today planning on buying a guitar for my partner on the spot. No one approached me asking if I needed help or had questions. Found a guitar that I liked but discovered a split that didn't seem fixable. It took awhile to get someone to actually talk to me. Got the tech to lmk it was unsellable just like I thought. When I brought it up to an employee (nice guy with gauges), he was helpful and respectful about my discovery then showed me some other options. So good on him. Unfortunately his other coworker decided to openly mock me after we were done talking. Was very unimpressed by the lack of attention to detail with their merchandise as well as the employee's unprofessional attitude. read more

Came in to pick up a ukulele for my 2-year-old, was helped by Braxton who also recommended a cool little red plastic Hohner which for $5 is an awesome little addition. Would be leaving five stars, but the cashier decided to donate my change to their corporate charity after I told him not to read more

I went to the Guitar Center in Palm Desert yesterday looking to buy an acoustic guitar. Entering the room, I was amazed to see only a few guitars for sale. The least expensive was $699. Most available, which was only a few, we were into the $2000 price range. I talked with the gentleman at the counter, and was informed this is all we have and don't expect to see any soon. He was quite short with me and seemed annoyed that I was shopping for one. This is very unusual. I live in WA, and the same store in Remond has full walls full of guitars. So, why the difference. No explanation, but if you're shopping for one, go elsewhere. read more

I've come here twice and both times left with what I came in for. The store is rather small which means no fancy guitar room, little used gear, no discernable drum section and a guitar/bass selection favoring the beginner. read more

Customer service could be better! Looked online too look for my item and it said it was in stock! Super stoked I went in on a Sunday 2/25/24 to inquire about a stylus for a scratching turntable. The workers there seemed to be wrapping up for the night, it was about less than an hour to close so that didn't bother me. When asked about my item the worker said "Yea, we don't carry those" and then I said "I found them online in stock at this store" He then said, "I know it says in stock but we haven't carried those in a long time" I replied, " Are you sure?" He said, " Yea, it's a no-go" And recommended a local record store which was already closed. He didn't look anything up in his computer, or offer to order it for me and have me pick it up at a later date. He just didn't seem interested in helping me whatsoever. I tried to look in the DJ equipment area but it was all dark cause the lights were off only in that section. read more

they let me use the restrooms and they got a cool selection of gear. it's always fun visiting local GC's when traveling.

I ordered a lighting system and its been nearly four months and i still don't have the whole order. Called back once and they say they have it ready but it failed to arrive before I moved. The support rep said the order had been ready and could not see why it just sat at the point of origin and would expedite the shipment. It never arrived and now I am no longer in Arkansas where the first partial delivery was sent. I tried to update my address with them but had problems getting anyone to locate the history of the problem and its been since June and I still do not have what I paid for.. read more

This GC is very limited if you have been playing for more than a year most of your needs will be directed on line. It's more for those just starting out in music. If you are thinking about music this place is great all others will need to drive or wait for the order to be shipped. read more

Guitar Center - Right next to Target and two very large shoe stores. - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Palm Desert, California

I see a lot of bad reviews for this place but two of the workers there are extremely nice and helpful, specifically Kimberly and this guy with very long awesome hair who's name I didn't get. They know what they are talking about and they made sure they took care of me and got me the best deal on my purchase. I definitely would recommend this place to others for any instruments or questions! read more

Terrible, terrible, terrible store (but with good and friendly staff). I wanted to buy an amp for my guitar, so I came to the store (06/22/20), chose the one that I like and ordered a delivery to the store (from the store about 30-40 miles away). It supposed to take a couple days to deliver it to the store and they said that they will send me an email notification. That did't happen! 3 days later I came to the store again, and i was surprised to find out that my amp hasn't even been shipped yet. I asked for different shipping options to upgrade, so I can get my amp faster, but they didn't have any paid options to make it faster. So they suggested me to wait for the email. It's 4th of July 2020 today and I called the tech support. And I was EVEN MORE SURPRISED when i found out that their "SYSTEM STUCK" and they need to cancel my order and now I HAVE TO ORDER THE AMP AGAIN! Conclusion is simple: If you want to save your time and do not want to be frustrated, just stick with the SWEETWATER.com read more

Place is terrible. The staff is very friendly but they dont answer the phone. They are open, but they limit the store to just one customer at a time so you're stuck waiting in 115 degree heat for about 45min-1hr. read more

This store needs to retrain an employee in customer service. I called the Palm Desert store on 2/5/22 to confirm whether a used banjo for sale on the guitarcenter.com website, showing as being at that location, was right-handed or left-handed. Although the picture online looks like a lefty, the Q&A indicates it's a righty. The guy who answered the phone identified himself as what sounded like "Brad." I gave him the banjo's name/model listed on the website and asked if it was right- or left-handed. He immediately declared that the item was "not in the store." I asked what he meant--had it sold, was there a mistake on the location on the website, etc., and he repeated twice that the item "is definitely not in this store" without checking. His manner was brusque, unprofessional, off-putting, and practically rude, as if my call were an inconvenience. I then asked if he could look up the item number (117627642) to which he replied he'd have to transfer to me to someone in sales. He then put me on hold. (Like really? If he's not in sales, why is he authoritatively giving out supposed product information?) After a brief hold, another employee whose name I didn't note answered, and after I asked the same question, he told me he knew exactly what banjo I was talking about and said he'd get an answer. He returned quickly and told me it was left-handed. I thanked him and told him the online posting has a Q&A with incorrect info about the handedness and that someone might want to update the listing. At least he was friendly and gave me the info I needed. Store employees should not dispense incorrect information as if they know what they are talking about and waste customers' time. "Brad" needs retraining. I see from some other reviews that this store's staff gives spotty customer service. By the way, not surprisingly, as of this writing, the incorrect Q&A about the banjo's handedness is still on their website. Images of the posting and Q&A are attached. read more

Guitar Center - Online posting - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Palm Desert, California

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Bad customer service. Try to resolve an issue and they don't fix it even when it was their fault. Very unprofessional. Not returning. My husband bought an Alesia drum from Palm Desert store. When we arrived home, it was missing the chrome rack. We called the store and brought it back. Instead of making an exchange the personnel decided to make a refund and not ask us what we wanted to do. We left the store dissatisfied and spoke to the store manager. Later that day, an employee called us stating he would put the drums on layaway for us. He stated all parts where there even though we knew that was incorrect. We told him we would pick up the drum set in a few days. We called they said the drum set was not there anymore. Online it shows up as in stock. Personnel is very unprofessional. read more

Purchased a guitar online for my son for a curbside pick up. Usually it is confirmed for pick up within a couple hours or so or even the end of the day, however I never heard anything in two days. So finally I called and the person on the phone informed me that they do not have that guitar in stock and it was an error. I needed that guitar for my sons birthday which was the next day so I raced over there to buy one at 7PM. Once I got there, no one really came to help me. Finally I went up to the cash register and let them know my situation. Finally someone came to help me but then disappeared for about 45 minutes. I Then noticed that he is helping another customer. I went up to another employee and informed him that I've been here for almost an hour and I just need to purchase something for my son. After about another 25 minutes the guy comes back to help me. At that point I had been at the store almost an hour and a half and I was tired. I pretty much told him I'll just take anything at this point. He apologized and said there's only two of us here and we're pretty busy. I told him I understand that however you could've communicated that instead of disappearing for a long period of time, that isn't good customer service. So I gave my son the guitar and when he tries it out it, and it sounds horrible. someone told me I need to take it back to get it set up. So once again I go back. I asked them that I need to get this guitar set up they say oh there's a long wait for that at least two weeks. Then he says it's an initial $89 but it can vary and can be up to 150. He says come back at 11 AM I'll have two technician here...and MAYBE they can fit you in. I finally went on my own to find a repair shop and found one down the street from my house, Rockwell music repair. This place only charge me 50 bucks and he did it in a matter of minutes. I won't ever do business with guitar center. read more

Never been, was looking for a place to buy my son some drum set equipment. But after seeing all the reviews and reading how rude and disrespectful Josh is. I can't imagine going to a place that employs such rude employees. I would never like to be talked to the way he has to customers. No thanks. read more

If I could give them 0 reviews I would. Josh that works here (also said he was the manager) was extremely rude and unprofessional. As soon as I walked in with my 2 children he made the experience awful. We went in to buy a guitar and inquire about music lessons that they had advertised outside but instead walked right out feeling terrible. Customers should never be treated like this. read more

I have always gotten great service from all the staff here whether I am buying strings, guitars, a recorder for my kid, or getting my guitar tuned up. BTW Rocky is a great guitar tech! Please ignore the other picky reviews and shop here with confidence. read more

After asking to try a few amps, one of which I was prepared to exchange money for the privilege of taking away and keeping, I was told I wouldn't be able to try any amps, because three Guitar Center employees were playing drums, bass, and guitar loudly next to the amps and the idea of having them giving up the floor and perhaps make some money for their employer was not Item-One on their agenda for the day. So, I had to leave the store empty handed and leave them to it, playing rock and roll, having a great time, unburdened by the idea of goods and services, the concept of money or capitalism at large. But, that's Rock and roll for you. read more

About a week after, we were showing off our newly purchased guitar to some folks, when my husband got this great idea that he should also demonstrate how the iPad tuning app works. He held the guitar up to the iPad and started to tune it, but was WAY off key. Before I could say "I think you have the wrong string", there was an ugly DONGGGGGGGGG song. He broke the freakin' string. Waiting for the weekend, we take the poor, abused guitar back to the Guitar Center and hang our heads in shame- well, maybe my husband did, since I had to be sure to let everyone know he did it and not me :) - and approach the counter. The employees were a bit shocked that we were able to break a string so quickly and confused as to why that particular string, but hey, they were sooooooo helpful. One gentleman saw that we still had the tag on it, so he fixed it for free in a matter of minutes. Awesome! And the store was pretty packed. There were a lot of people there, compared to other stores that we had visited that were pretty empty. We also noticed that they have lessons here, something that we may decide to partake in. read more

Brought my guitar in for repairs. Man whatta bad attitude from Rocky, the guitar tech. I suppose he's overworked, but he wouldn't even take the guitar for needed repairs & practically gave me the finger. He should be grateful to be employed during the pandemic, but don't expect to ever return to this GC. read more

Never pick the phone! Is this place still in business? I've called 3 times in a row and the phone just rings 50 times and disconnects eventually. If you are actually in business and open the you should pick up your phone. read more

If I could give them less than one star I would. But never shopping here again. Im sticking with amazon I don't have to deal with lazy customer service. And can find everything in one place read more

I've tryed several times to contact the drum department but they had no knowledge of what I was asking for. I've been playing since I was 8 and what a bunch of knuckleheads. They need better customer service than acting like they are doing you a favor!!! read more

My sincere thanks to Cam in Repairs for his help making some adjustments on my Martin acoustic. He was prompt, efficient, and had a helpful attitude. He is an asset to this store. read more

Yeah, I used to be in awe of guitar center, so many cool guitars, gear, etc. - I even felt intimidated to try out rigs which I fully intended to purchase. But now, I'm embarrassed, like profoundly ashamed I ever felt this way. These guys (I didn't see any women working) are such complete dolts. Poor services, lack of interest in working or speaking to customers, really - are hallmarks of this store. I attempted to purchase multiple acoustic guitars-after having already researched them online-only to be told many of them came without cases! Where were the cases? "Uh, not sure ... might have to order one..." How long would it take to get a case? "Dude, that could take up to, uh, a few weeks ..." Finally, I found a guitar which came with a gig bag, a cheap fabric (?) flimsy non-protecting piece of crap. But ... the uninterested sales dude told me ... it was in the back store room. He sighed at me while I explained that, yes, I would like the gig bag. And after an excruciatingly long delay, it appears. He banged the edges of my guitar 5 times while loading it into the plastic carrying case. Look, I could go on, but I realize I've already spent too much time and emotion on this place. Surely there is a struggling local music center who would happily spend some time helping you pick out your next instrument (there are dozens of them online). Might you pay 5% more? Yep, you might. But I can guarantee you will get a better product and service. Rock on. read more

Zero stars. I long for the mom and pop music shops like Musicians Outlet or Aloha Music. Honestly fuck this circle jerk of a store. I was almost convinced on coming here regularly but alas I will make the trip to Sam Ash with no qualms. If I feel this way I cant even imagine what people with absolutely no music experience must feel when shopping out of curiosity or for their child. I will NOT be referring anyone here for anything ever. They do not care about fostering musical curiosity, or the local musical community. I have no personal experience with the instructors there I know some of them and they are some of the best no BS but sometimes the salesmen let their perceived greatness fuck it all up. read more

Nick was amazing, took care of me. It was busy day and i did stand there for a good 20 minutes but i understand when its busy were only human, he assured me he'd get to me and as promised he did and was worth the wait he was very knowledgeable and got me in n out in 5 minutes! Will be going back soon for all my services read more

This Guitar Center is decent if you: a) already own a good guitar and need strings b) are buying your child a starter/beginner guitar c) are a self-proclaimed newbie "dj" that isn't sure what to blow your money on. For me, this location continues to be super underwhelming, especially in the recording/production department. They do not have a single workstation or arranger keyboard in the showroom. They have a few midi keyboards, but they haven't even been configured to the computer's they're attached to, so you can't get any idea of how they work unless you configure it for the store. Their speaker selection, microphone selection, and interface selection consist of about three different products each, and they're all super low-end. In fact, I didn't see a single piece of equipment that was over $400 in their production area. Additionally, I'm not a fan of the customer service I've experienced and witnessed here. I came in with a friend that was looking to buy a condenser mic a while ago, and the guy behind the counter tried to sell him a cheap performance mic instead and was super condescending to us throughout the entire interaction. I'll keep coming here for strings and guitar picks, but I'll continue to make the drive to the Guitar Centers in San Bernardino, Los Angeles, and Rancho Cucamonga for everything else, including intelligible customer service. read more

The staff here has always been extremely helpful!! Today I came in with an aux chord that broke for my geeeeetar and they replaced it with no questions asked. Also, I recently got a really great strap for only $10. Thanks gang!! read more

These people are liars and cheats. I agreed to trade and two guitars and they gave me a price not including the guitar cases. When I brought them in they told me the price would be reduced by $25 unless I provided the cases. I said okay I don't want to argue. They gave me a written quote for my purchase. When it was time to pay they increase the price by $30 and said they made an error in calculating the tax. Apparently they have no idea that they entered into a contract when they gave me a written quote and I accepted. When I complained they said the free set up they were going to give me will now cost $30. I do not do business with people who have zero integrity. I have to return to pick up my new guitar when it arrives. After that guitar center no longer exists. Got a message from somebody who said they were with guitar center and they wanted to make things right. I sent them the documentation and got no word back. Then comes the worst part. I got the free set up. It was a joke. The guitar has a muted bass string and buzz over half the frets. I would go back and have them correct it but I can't stand to walk into the building read more

Not to sure why this place got so many negative reviews. However, as soon as I walked in I was asked what I was looking for. The guy behind the counter showed me to the humidifiers. He also explained the different options. Friendly staff. Got what I needed. I wouldn't hesitate to go back if I needed something else. read more